ARTICLES BY ANITA DUNHAM POTTER

Most cruise travelers start traveling the day their cruise starts, which often entails waking up at the crack of dawn in order to catch flights to their ship's port Upon embarkation many cruisers find themselves exhausted and the first day of the cruise is often overshadowed with trying to catch up on rest

Traveling can sure put a damper on a fitness routine and it can be a challenge to find a great place to workout Thankfully cruise travelers don't have to leave their workout regimens at home - cruise ships offer expansive fitness and spa options that rival, and in many cases surpass, anything vacationers can find on land

Are you tired of the same old shore excursions Do you yearn for something more exciting than a shopping trip or more enriching than a beach break

Cruise lines have their own distinct personalities and ships that reflect them, but there are some definite trends that are spreading across the fleets within the cruise industry More homeport cruising Being able to drive to a cruise offers great convenience, not to mention tremendous cost savings by not having to buy airline tickets

As seagoing vacations continue to grow in popularity, cruises offer ports of call with access to some of the iconic wonders of the ancient world Many sites are accessible via cruise ship or overnight land extensions that bring each and every world destination to life

Contrary to popular belief, cruising isn’t just a woman’s vacation Look past the Lido Deck and the umbrella drinks, and you’ll find that some cruises offer plenty of opportunities to celebrate such traditionally male pursuits as golf, basketball, fishing, and of course round-the-clock dining

In the old days of cruising, many people didn’t spend a lot of time in their staterooms, but that’s no longer the case Today’s cruise ships are floating resorts, and the staterooms aspire to be holiday havens – particularly those with balconies

Choosing the right family vacation to keep both parents and children happy can be a challenge For families seeking an alternative to the traditional summer road trip or week by the shore, a cruise vacation is just the solution

When you’re sailing the seas, surrounded by nothing more than serene ocean waves it’s tough to get into a more relaxed state of mind But if ultimate tranquility is what you seek, then head to the ship’s spa